NewMyanmese suspects plead 'not guilty' to killings of British tourists on Thailand resort

Two Myanmese workers have pleaded not guilty to charges including murder over the killing of two British tourists in Thailand, their lawyer said on Monday, in a case that has hit tourism and attracted widespread criticism.

The bodies of David Miller, 24, and Hannah Witheridge, 23, were found on a beach on the southern Thai island of Koh Tao on September 15.

Police arrested Myanmar workers Zaw Lin and Win Phyo, both 21, in October, saying DNA taken from the pair matched samples found on the victims.

On Thursday, Thai prosecutors filed charges against the Myanmese men ranging from conspiracy to commit murder and rape to illegal entry. They were taken to court on the island of Samui on Monday to hear the charges.

“They pleaded not guilty to all the charges today,” Thanu Akekachote, a lawyer representing the pair, said. “It is my understanding that the court wants to speed this up given its impact on tourism and international relations.”